We have been getting more questions from people asking what the letters mean in their Medicare claim number. Here is an explaination and chart of the letter meaning provided by the Social Security Administration:

The Social Security number followed by one of these codes is often referred to as a claim number. Social Security assigns these codes once you apply for benefits. These letter codes may appear on correspondence you receive from Social Security or on your Medicare card. They will never appear on a Social Security card.

For example, if the wage earner applying for benefits and your number is 123-45-6789, then your claim number is 123-45-6789A. This number will also be used as your Medicare claim number, once you are eligible for Medicare.

Uninsured - Entitled to HIB (Part A) under deemed or renal provisions; or Fully insured who have elected entitlement only to HIB

TA

Medicare Qualified Government Employment (MQGE)

TB

MQGE aged spouse

W

Disabled Widow

W1

Disabled Widower

W6

Disabled Surviving Divorced Wife

NOTE: This list is not complete, but shows the most common beneficiary codes.

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2015 PDP-Finder - Medicare Part D Plan FinderThe 2015 PDP-Finder displays Medicare Part D plan information, including plan premium, deductible, type of gap coverage and if the plan qualifies for the $0 premium for those persons with a low income subsidy (LIS).

The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.

This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.

When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes may be required to pay both a Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Read more on IRMAA....

Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage (MAPDs) are considered Medicare Part D plans and members with higher incomes may be subject to Medicare Part D IRMAA, just as are members in stand-alone Part D plans. In certain situations, you can appeal IRMAA.

When enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have both Part A and B to enroll. Members may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year. Contact the plan for more information.

For plans with Part D Coverage: You may be able to get Extra Help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for Extra Help, call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov; the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or your Medicaid Office.

Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.

A Private Fee-for-Service plan is not a Medicare supplement plan. Providers who do not contract with the plan are not required to see you except in an emergency.

Institutional SNP: "This plan is available to anyone with Medicare who meets the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) level of care and resides in a nursing home."

Dual Eligible SNP: This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance,
and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details.

Chronic Condition SNP: "This plan is available to anyone with Medicare who has been diagnosed with <Chronic Condition>."

MSA Plans combine a high deductible Medicare Advantage Plan and a trust or custodial savings account (as defined and/or approved by the IRS). The plan deposits
money from Medicare into the account. You can use this money to pay for your health care costs, but only Medicare-covered expenses count toward your deductible.
The amount deposited is usually less than your deductible amount, so you generally have to pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins.

There are additional restrictions to join an MSA plan, and enrollment is generally for a full calendar year unless you meet certain exceptions. Those who disenroll
during the calendar year will owe a portion of the account deposit back to the plan. Contact the plan provider for additional information.

Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at www.medicare.gov.

Medicare beneficiaries can file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by calling 1-800-MEDICARE 24 hours a day/7 days or using the
medicare.gov site.
Beneficiaries can appoint a representative by submitting CMS Form-1696.